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If you’re someone who has a collection of old books collecting dust and enjoys DIY projects, there are plenty of ways to repurpose them into something new and useful.

Upcycling old books is a great way to recycle items that might otherwise be tossed out. These projects reduce waste but also turn forgotten books into practical or decorative pieces.

Here are 9 inspiring ideas for upcycling old books into something new and beautiful.

DIY Paper Dahlia Flower

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Image Credit: The Thrifty Apartment

This DIY Paper Dahlia project is simple and fun to make. With just a few materials—cardboard, an old book, and some basic craft supplies—you can create a paper flower that works as home decor, a unique gift accent, or even wall art.

Get the Craft: How to Make DIY Paper Dahlia Flower (Easy Tutorial)

How to Change the Look of a Shelf with Book Pages

Shelf with Book Pages
Image Credit: The Boondocks Blog

This simple DIY project uses old book pages to give your shelves a fresh new look while helping to reduce waste. Upcycle those unused pages by turning them into a creative design element that enhances your space. With this easy idea, you can transform an ordinary shelf into a unique focal point using repurposed book pages.

Make this craft: How to Change the Look of a Shelf with Book Pages

DIY Stacked Book Decor

White stacked book decor
Image Credit: Rekindle My Dwelling

This simple stacked book decor is an easy and affordable DIY for any season. They make a great personalized gift idea too!

Make this Craft: DIY Stacked Book Decor

Easy Tutorial for Gorgeous Christmas Tree Folded Book Art

Christmas Tree Folded Book Art
Image Credit: Our Crafty Mom

Folded book art is such a cool craft and it’s much easier than it looks to get beautiful designs. This Christmas tree took less than an hour!

Make this craft: Easy Tutorial for Gorgeous Christmas Tree Folded Book Art

How to Make a Bookmark from a Vintage Book

Bookmark from a Vintage Book
Image Credit: Venture 1105

Discover the charm of upcycling with our DIY tutorial on creating a unique bookmark from a vintage book! Transforming forgotten pages into cherished keepsakes, this DIY project will add a touch of nostalgia and charm to your reading routine.

Make this craft: How to make a bookmark from a vintage book

An Upcycled Book Craft

Upcycled book craft
Image Credit: Sustain My Craft Habit

Looking for a creative upcycling craft to make using an old hardcover book? This Upcycled Book Craft is an easy lovely craft to try. This lovely English garden-inspired craft idea that has now become a unique piece of art on display.

Make this craft: An Upcycled Book Craft

Make Your Own Book Tree

Green Book Tree
Image Credit: Ann’s Entitled Life

This simple craft project is a great way to reuse old books, avoiding throwing them away. All you need to complete this easy Book Tree is spray paint, adhesive, old hardcover books of varying sizes and ribbon. The Book Tree is a fun and unique decor piece that is extremely inexpensive to make.

Make this craft:  Make Your Own Book Tree

How to Make Gift Bags from Old Books

Gift bags from old books
Image Credit: Sum Of Their Stories

These gift bags from old books are the perfect gift bag for a small book but would be great for any small gift, a notebook, stationary sets etc. 

If your book was Shakespeare like mine it would be ideal for theater tickets too! The size your gift bags turn out will of course depend on the size you book pages were to start with.

Make this craft: How to make gift bags from old books

Birch Bark Painted Decorative Books

Blue Painted books displayed on the shelf
Image Credit: Sustain My Craft Habit

Bring the nature indoors by creating your own pretty birch bark painted decorative books to display on your shelf.

Make this craft:  Birch Bark Painted Decorative Books

Book Craft Christmas Ornament

Book Craft Christmas Ornament
Image Credit: Sum Of Their Stories

Embrace the spirit of creativity and sustainability by repurposing pages into these festive decorations.This Book Craft Christmas Ornament is a great choice for a Christmas Ornament.

Make this craft:  Book Craft Christmas Ornament

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Tamara White is the creator and founder of The Thrifty Apartment, a home decor and DIY blog that focuses on affordable and budget-friendly home decorating ideas and projects. Tamara documents her home improvement journey, love of thrifting, tips for space optimization, and creating beautiful spaces.

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